September 19, 2007
Dear Ms. Biren-Wright:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the impeachment of Vice President Cheney. Your opinion is very important to me, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you on this vital issue.
From misleading our country into a disastrous, illegitimate war, to wiretapping American citizens without warrants, this Administration has seriously damaged the vitality of our nation domestically and tarnished our reputation around the world. We have witnessed record-breaking surpluses transform into record-breaking deficits; we have seen the politicization of what is supposed to be an independent Department of Justice; and when we question such policies we are faced with an overly secretive Executive Branch that does not believe it is accountable to the American public. There is little doubt that the United States will be much better off once this Administration vacates the White House on January 20th, 2009.
Article II, Section 4 of The Constitution establishes that "The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of The United States, shall be removed from Office of Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." While I agree Vice President Cheney has committed a myriad of egregious acts, I am not sure the case can be made that they have reached the standard of impeachable offenses. Additionally, a lengthy, cumbersome, impeachment process would divert attention and take time away from issues vital to our nation; such as responsibly withdrawing our troops from Iraq, easing the burden on the middle class, and ensuring all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care.
Once again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. This issue is very important to me, and I appreciate your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of more assistance.
Sincerely,
Robert Menendez
United States Senator
Phone: (202) 224-4744 . Fax: 202.228.2197